2025 Best Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region
It's not easy to decide which school to attend when you have so many options available. At College Factual, we're committed to helping you make that decision by providing information such as that found in our Best Bachelor's Degree Colleges in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking.
What's on This Page: * Our Methodology
Your Choice of School Matters
Our analysis looked at 236 schools in the Middle Atlantic Region to determine which ones have the best bachelor's degree programs. Our ranking methodology focuses on different objective factors to make this determination of the best schools. In the next few paragraphs, we'll talk a little about what we use in our analysis and why.
Early-Career Earnings
Average early-career salary of those graduating with a bachelor's degree is one indicator we use in our analysis to find the schools that offer the highest-quality education. This is because one of the main reasons people pursue a degree is to enable themselves to find better-paying positions.
Average Student Debt
In addition to average starting salaries, we also consider the average amount of student loans that students take on while pursuing their bachelor's degree.
The average debt load at a particular school may not be bad, but it's an important thing to consider in conjunction with post-graduation earnings.
Other Ranking Factors in Our Methodology
In addition to average post-graduation earnings and average student debt loads, we also look at a host of other factors to determining our Best Bachelor's Degree Schools ranking.
Several other factors - such as how much the school spends on educational resources, the demand of the school, the availability of online learning options, and the student body caliber - go into our rankings.
We go into more detail on these factors on our best schools ranking methodology page.
Check Out These Other Rankings
If you'd rather work on your bachelor's degree in a specific area of the country, you might be interested in our
rankings by place. Also, check out our other
college rankings to help you with your college decision.
Top Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
3,554
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$77,019
Average Early-Career Earnings
$43,918
Average Student Debt
Our analysis found University of Pennsylvania to be the best school for bachelor’s degrees in the Middle Atlantic Region in this year’s ranking. This large private not-for-profit school is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 3,554 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from UPenn make an average of $77,019 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $43,918.
Full University of Pennsylvania Report
1,971
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$85,305
Average Early-Career Earnings
$59,961
Average Student Debt
The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at Carnegie Mellon University helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in the Middle Atlantic Region. Carnegie Mellon is a private not-for-profit institution located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1,971 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Carnegie Mellon go into careers with an average salary of $85,305 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $59,961 after getting their degree.
Read full report on Carnegie Mellon University
4,219
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$60,802
Average Early-Career Earnings
$49,473
Average Student Debt
A rank of #3 on our Best Bachelor’s Degree in the Middle Atlantic Region list means Cornell University is a great place for students working on their degree. Cornell is a large private not-for-profit school situated in Ithaca, New York. It awarded 4,219 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Cornell is $60,802 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $49,473 after getting their degree.
Read full report on Cornell University
2,649
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$60,192
Average Early-Career Earnings
$52,064
Average Student Debt
The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at Columbia University in the City of New York helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in the Middle Atlantic Region. This large private not-for-profit school is located in New York, New York, and it awarded 2,649 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Columbia make an average of $60,192 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $52,064 after getting their degree.
Read full report on Columbia University in the City of New York
7,444
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$48,655
Average Early-Career Earnings
$84,391
Average Student Debt
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend New York University. The school came in at #5 in the Middle Atlantic Region on this year’s best bachelor’s degree schools ranking. Located in New York, New York, the large private not-for-profit school awarded 7,444 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from NYU make an average of $48,655 a year. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $84,391 in student loans.
Full New York University Report
2,223
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$64,266
Average Early-Career Earnings
$61,942
Average Student Debt
Georgetown University did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking, coming in at #6. Located in Washington, District of Columbia, the large private not-for-profit school handed out 2,223 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown is $64,266 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $61,942 after getting their degree.
Learn More About Georgetown University
1,910
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$50,005
Average Early-Career Earnings
$56,296
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #7, Johns Hopkins University did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Johns Hopkins is a large private not-for-profit school situated in Baltimore, Maryland. It awarded 1,910 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $50,005 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $56,296.
Learn More About Johns Hopkins University
1,257
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$66,179
Average Early-Career Earnings
With a ranking of #8, Princeton University did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Princeton University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Princeton, New Jersey that handed out 1,257 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Princeton make an average of $66,179 a year.
Read full report on Princeton University
3,466
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$58,779
Average Early-Career Earnings
$46,746
Average Student Debt
George Washington University came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Located in Washington, District of Columbia, the large private not-for-profit school awarded 3,466 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from GWU make an average of $58,779 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $46,746.
Full George Washington University Report
9,182
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$51,476
Average Early-Career Earnings
$38,246
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #10, University of Maryland - College Park did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. UMCP is located in College Park, Maryland and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 9,182 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from UMCP make an average of $51,476 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $38,246 after getting their degree.
Full University of Maryland - College Park Report
1,603
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$30,304
Average Early-Career Earnings
$36,273
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #11, Fashion Institute of Technology did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Located in New York, New York, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,603 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $30,304 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $36,273 after getting their degree.
Full Fashion Institute of Technology Report
2,165
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$64,223
Average Early-Career Earnings
$51,113
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #12, Villanova University did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 2,165 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Villanova go into careers with an average salary of $64,223 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $51,113 in student loans.
Read full report on Villanova University
1,426
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$69,036
Average Early-Career Earnings
$53,632
Average Student Debt
Lehigh University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Lehigh is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,426 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $69,036 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $53,632 in student loans.
Read full report on Lehigh University
1,954
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$42,632
Average Early-Career Earnings
$69,121
Average Student Debt
American University landed the #14 spot on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. The American University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Washington, District of Columbia. It awarded 1,954 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $42,632 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $69,121 in student loans.
Read full report on American University
1,566
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$72,794
Average Early-Career Earnings
$63,369
Average Student Debt
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Troy, New York that handed out 1,566 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from RPI is $72,794 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $63,369 after getting their degree.
Learn More About Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
929
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$77,513
Average Early-Career Earnings
$65,885
Average Student Debt
Stevens Institute of Technology did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking, coming in at #16. Located in Hoboken, New Jersey, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 929 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Stevens is $77,513 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $65,885.
Read full report on Stevens Institute of Technology
4,205
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$47,088
Average Early-Career Earnings
$53,582
Average Student Debt
Syracuse University landed the #17 spot on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Syracuse, New York is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 4,205 students in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $47,088 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $53,582.
Read full report on Syracuse University
5,471
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$45,960
Average Early-Career Earnings
$44,162
Average Student Debt
University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. This large public school is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 5,471 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Pitt make an average of $45,960 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $44,162.
Full University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus Report
8,485
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$47,023
Average Early-Career Earnings
$26,321
Average Student Debt
Rutgers University - New Brunswick came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Located in New Brunswick, New Jersey, the large public school handed out 8,485 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Rutgers New Brunswick make an average of $47,023 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $26,321 after getting their degree.
Full Rutgers University - New Brunswick Report
1,113
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$51,808
Average Early-Career Earnings
$44,076
Average Student Debt
Thomas Jefferson University came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 1,113 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Thomas Jefferson University make an average of $51,808 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $44,076 after getting their degree.
Full Thomas Jefferson University Report
567
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$66,971
Average Early-Career Earnings
Swarthmore College ranked #21 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Swarthmore is located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 567 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Swarthmore go into careers with an average salary of $66,971 during the early years of their career.
Read full report on Swarthmore College
2,090
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$51,304
Average Early-Career Earnings
$34,865
Average Student Debt
University of Rochester ranked #22 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. University of Rochester is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in Rochester, New York that handed out 2,090 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from University of Rochester is $51,304 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $34,865 after getting their degree.
Full University of Rochester Report
910
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$48,921
Average Early-Career Earnings
$50,489
Average Student Debt
Molloy College came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Located in Rockville Centre, New York, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 910 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Molloy is $48,921 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $50,489.
Learn More About Molloy College
4,934
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$48,207
Average Early-Career Earnings
$54,863
Average Student Debt
University of Delaware did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking, coming in at #24. University of Delaware is a large public school located in Newark, Delaware that handed out 4,934 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from UD is $48,207 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $54,863 in student loans.
Full University of Delaware Report
3,797
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$57,805
Average Early-Career Earnings
$56,359
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #25, Drexel University did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Drexel University is a large private not-for-profit school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that handed out 3,797 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $57,805 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $56,359 after getting their degree.
Full Drexel University Report
